Stops, sights along a good Northern California road trip

On a big California road trip, you are almost certainly not there yet. It can take more than five hours to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and that’s the quick route. So you’ll probably have to stop a few times along the way, but it’s OK. There are plenty of quirky, tasty, and historic sites dotting California freeways and backroads. Whether you’re headed south, north, or east from the Bay Area, here are some of the most memorable stops along the way.

If you're on the road, just follow the bumper stickers to this Santa Cruz destination.

The Mystery Spot

If you're on the road, just follow the bumper stickers to this Santa Cruz destination.

Photo: Kendra Luck, The Chronicle

The Mystery Spot If you're on the road, just follow the... Photo-5936214.80655 - SFGate

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Waterworld California

On a hot day driving near Concord, you'll wish you had your swimsuit in the car when you see the signs for this massive water park. The park says it is recycling most of its water and is on track to meet state water cuts amid California's drought.